Tourism and Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hola y buenos dias!
I’m Lisa Thon- a fashion designer and stylist for popular entertainment artists and actors. Aside from working at my atelier, I also run the Lisa Thon School of Design here in San Juan, where I teach aspiring fashion designers from all over the island. Proudly, I am the first Puerto Rican designer to showcase a collection at Olympus Fashion Week in New York City.
I am excited to share what I think are the best activities for anyone visiting San Juan – my hometown and the fashion capital of the Caribbean.
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico and the gateway to the Caribbean, offers travelers a myriad of attractions, including magnificent beaches, the charming commercial and residential district of Old San Juan, exclusive shopping, fine restaurants and trendy nightclubs.
I am very lucky to have grown up in Puerto Rico, steps away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I love basking in the sun and shade of unspoiled, pristine beaches such as Playa de Isla Verde and the Balneario de Carolina, both in the San Juan metropolitan area. You will enjoy the breathtaking scenery found right here within this cosmopolitan center, where I personally love to relax on the beach where I read, draw and watch my three children play in the sand.
Another great inspiration for my work is the lush and tropical vegetation found throughout the island. One of my favorite activities is to go to the El Yunque National Rainforest to sit near a waterfall and sketch. It’s amazing that El Yunque is only a short drive from San Juan and I can enjoy the plants, animals and sounds that inspire me during the little free time I have. Similarly, the Jardin Botánico, located right next to my school, provides me with a serene atmosphere that allows me to clear my head after a hard day of work. These two places are really wonderful and accessible escapes from the hustle and bustle of San Juan.
A great way for you to experience Puerto Rican culture and heritage is to follow the cobble-stoned streets of Old San Juan. The inspiring historic Spanish architecture found here transports visitors to a bygone era when elegantly dressed men and women roamed the picturesque streets of this thriving colonial port city. In contrast, the modern architecture of the recently opened Fine Arts Café arts cinema has inspired some of my new designs with its minimalist approach and clean lines. The fact that I can have sushi during a wonderful movie is also a great source of comfort to me.
While in Old San Juan, I also recommend that you explore Calle del Cristo, the area’s main shopping district. Here, visitors to the island can find everything from art and jewelry to designer clothing. Shopping options in Old San Juan include a mix of trendy and eclectic boutiques found on Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets as well as the craft markets of Plaza de la Dársena and Paseo la Princesa.
The Condado District is one of my favorite places to go for a walk. This chic area is famous for its swank stores like Cartier, Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton. These world-class shops are lined up next to each other on Ashford Avenue against a gorgeous beach where the salty sea air and cool breeze make you feel you’re in shopping paradise! Also, a wonderful activity to do on the weekends is going to the Le Lo Lai show at the Plaza Ventana al Mar, where folkloric Puerto Rican dances are showcased.
A shopping experience in San Juan wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the largest shopping center in the Caribbean- the Plaza las Americas. I would highly recommend visiting this world-class shopping center which includes more than 300 stores. Here, you can buy a variety of goods in high-end boutiques like Armani-Exchange, Adrienne Vittadini, and Lacoste in a modern, relaxed and informal setting.
After a long day of shopping in San Juan, you will be hungry, and food is a huge part of our culture. In fact, just like the island’s people, Puerto Rican cuisine is a fusion of European, Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures. My favorite traditional Puerto Rican restaurant is Ajili Mojili, where mouth-watering recipes are served in an intimate and romantic setting with a dazzling view of the Condado Lagoon. Another restaurant I love to visit is Miró in the Condado District where you can sample the island’s best tribute to Spanish cuisine. If you’re looking to follow the hottest dining trends in San Juan, stylish restaurants including Baru, Dragonfly, El Picoteo, Etniko, Aguaviva and Parrot Club where a fashionable and cosmopolitan clientele sip cocktails and dine on Puerto Rican cuisine with international inspiration from Japan, Italy and beyond.
After a delicious meal, be sure to try the famous Puerto Rican coffee and indulge in exquisite tropical dessert at La Bombonera restaurant where traditional pastries have been served for well over 100 years. Finally, top off an evening in San Juan by going to one of the many stylish nightclubs like Club Brava at the LXR El San Juan Hotel, where a jet-set crowd dances the night away to some of the island’s best live salsa.
Puerto Rico is an island inhabited by a warm, diverse and passionate people- the joy we feel about our island and our culture surrounds us in every aspects of our lives. This tropical setting has inspired my collections and I hope you’ll find it as moving during your visit!
Saludos desde Puerto Rico!
Remember- when preparing for your trip, you don’t need to passport. No passport is required to visit Puerto Rico!